By: Hinojosa, Birdwell S.C.R. No. 37
(In the Senate - Filed March 28, 2011; March 28, 2011, read
first time and referred to Committee on Veteran Affairs and
Military Installations; April 19, 2011, reported favorably by the
following vote: Yeas 3, Nays 0; April 19, 2011, sent to printer.)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The exemplary acts of bravery and distinguished
service rendered by the members of the United States military are
honored in a variety of ways, but it is the Purple Heart that speaks
most eloquently to the essential sacrifices that are often required
of those who fight for our nation; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the
president of the United States to any member of the armed forces who
is wounded or killed by the enemy in combat operations; and
WHEREAS, This medal dates to the early years of our nation,
having originally been authorized by General George Washington, on
August 7, 1782, to recognize members of the Continental Army during
the Revolutionary War; known as the Badge of Military Merit, the
award created by General Washington entitled recipients to wear a
heart-shaped figure of purple cloth as a symbol of their exemplary
actions; and
WHEREAS, When reestablished in 1932, the Purple Heart was
initially a commendation for members of the United States Army and
United States Army Air Corps and was retroactively awarded to
soldiers in previous conflicts; in 1942, its scope was broadened to
include the members of all branches of the military who had been
killed or wounded in action, and the National Purple Heart Hall of
Honor estimates that 1.7 million Americans have received the medal
through the years; and
WHEREAS, In momentous conflicts that range from the Civil War
through the present engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, valiant
men and women have stepped into harm's way to defend our country,
and those who paid with their lives or who were wounded in combat
are deservedly honored by being designated recipients of the Purple
Heart; and
WHEREAS, These courageous individuals are owed a debt of
remembrance by all who have benefited from their service, and it is
indeed appropriate that their heroism be annually honored by the
citizens of Texas on August 7, the anniversary of the date on which
General Washington established the Badge of Military Merit; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate August 7 as Purple Heart Day and urge all Texans to
reflect on the extraordinary contributions made by the past and
present members of the United States armed forces; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of
Subsection (d), Section 391.004, Government Code, the designation
expires on the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
passed by the legislature.
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